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Success Stories

Many productions have discovered the advantages of coming to Michigan. The production companies have been pleased with the results, and hundreds of residents, vendors and business owners have had positive experiences, also. Here are a few of their stories.


Interlochen State Park

 Popular recreational campgrounds received a welcome bump in business in the usual post-Memorial Day lull from the film Youth in Revolt. More...

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“The incentives have sure brought a lot of work to town, which is what it’s all about. I only hope they keep it going, so we have a chance to put a decent infrastructure in place.”

-- Pat Smith

Cinemotion

 2008 Gross Sales: 15% increase over 2007 thanks to the increased filming in Michigan. More...

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Deano’s Inc, Grand Rapids

 Full-service studio operating over 20 years has also partaken in the current film activity. More...

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“Many friends and associates in the industry are showing great interest in coming to Michigan as well. When they see what the state has to offer, be it home values or school systems, or the four seasons, it’s basically a no-brainer. We’re excited as hell to be part of this new vibrant and creative community.”

-- Than McClure, CEO

Epicenter Studios

 Los Angeles-based video game developer (Real Heroes: Firefighter) is opening a second studio here, preparing to operate multiple divisions. More...

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“Simply put, it if wasn’t for the film incentive program and the way it is currently structured, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to return to Michigan.”

-- John Bails

Film Production Capital

 Lansing office opens a division for purchaser/financier of entertainment tax credits.  More...

Film Production Capital
 

“It was a very positive experience, as these are tight times, and the funds helped us avoid cuts. Plus, they’re often movies that many people should see, like

-- Mike Cadotte, Church Lay Leader

First United Methodist Church

 Ferndale Church hosts three films. More...

First United Methodist
 

“It was wonderful. They mobbed the place on Saturday, and showed total professionalism. W had all movie people for two straight days, and we’re still doing business with some of them, via on line. With the word-of-mouth, and neighborhood buzz, it was an unexpected bonus to the operation.”

-- Lynn Trevor, Owner

Howell Western Wear, Howell

 An unexpected windfall of sales. More...

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“It’s been incredible. The film business kept me going during my summer slow season. Normally, I’m nervous that I won’t be able to make the rent. As a mom & pop shop, my numbers aren’t that big, but they’re very big to me. I had no idea what the film incentives were all about, but Bryan and Megan (of Kind Services) were coming in 5-6 times a week, ordering more and more. In turn, I’m ordering more from my suppliers as well as keeping people employed!” I imagine this is a wonderful thing for the Michigan economy, and I am happy and thankful to be a part of it.

-- Annie Goldberg

Mannie's Bagel and Deli

 The Summer Downturn that Wasn’t. Proprietor Annie Goldberg has been able to pay her bills worry free for the first summer since opening her doors five years ago. The summer off-season has annually been one of penny-pinching and tentative employment for her staff. More...

Mannies Bagels
 

“After the buyout, we asked, ‘What do we want to do now?’ Here was something new to the state that was actually growing! We want to build something that’s not just a product, but to get people involved. The film business is like a beacon now; not just movies, but video games, digital media, websites, all galvanizing lots of people. It’s great to see.”

-- Chris Aliapoulios, Publisher and Editor

Michigan Movie Magazine

 The publication covers all facets of Michigan filmmaking. From set visits to producer/star profiles to premieres to the burgeoning workforce. More...

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"If the general public knew the amount of money a film crew spends, they would understand how good this legislation is. The average feature spends about $1.25 million a week. It’s transforming my business from seasonal in nature to one that is year-round."

-- Rodney Ouelette, Co-owner

S & R Event Rental

 S & R Event Rentals have have hired 11 new employees including several laid off auto workers. More...

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